NORTH BROOKFIELD — A raging fire Friday night destroyed one of the main buildings that housed a dormitory at the Valley View School on Oakham Road.

No injuries were reported, and all the students and staff safely evacuated the building, officials said.

The fire was reported about 7 p.m., and more than an hour later flames could still be seen shooting out of the more than century-old renovated farmhouse that served as a dormitory, dining area and theater production facility for the approximately 38 middle school-age students who live and attend school there.

Director Phil Spiva, who founded the all-boy school about 40 years ago, said around 25 students were inside when the fire broke out. All the students and a handful of staff inside were able to safely evacuate, he said.

Mr. Spiva said he did not know what caused the fire. Police blocked access to the grounds around the building. Ashes, illuminated by vehicle headlight beams and streetlights, could be seen falling across the street; a huge plume of smoke wrapped around a ladder being used to spray water down into the building.

Associate Director Rick Bulger said the displaced students would be staying the night in other dormitories on the school campus; cots would be set up in the gymnasium if necessary, he said. He said the community has already sprung into action with a blanket drive at the local grocery store.

Mr. Spiva said the school will continue to operate despite the massive fire. The most important thing was that everyone was safe, he said.

"Buildings can be replaced," Mr. Spiva said. "Human lives cannot."

Mr. Spiva said he was told the building's alarm system functioned properly, and Mr. Bulger said staff were able to safely and quickly help the students evacuate.

Sons of both major league baseball star Barry Bonds and actor Bill Murray have attended the school in the past. According to the school's website, it is for 11 to 16 years old boys.